! Exclusive: June and Barry Steenkamp on the devastating loss of daughter Reeva

The family of murdered model Reeva Steenkamp have paid a poignant visit to the beach where they scattered her ashes as the trial of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius reaches its final stage.

In a world exclusive interview and photo-shoot with ! magazine, Reeva”s mum and dad June and Barry Steenkamp reveal the dramatic impact the devastating loss of their daughter on Valentine”s Day 2013 has had on their lives.

June told ! “I feel her presence and talk to her all the time. She”ll only rest in peace when this is over. I trust that God will prevail and justice will be done. All we want is the truth.”

June and Barry Steenkamp

June, who has attended the trial in Pretoria every day, had never met her daughter”s killer before facing him in court. Yet, she reveals, she does not harbour any ill will towards him.
“I don’t hate Oscar,” she said, “I”ve forgiven him. I have to – that”s my religion. But I am determined to face him and re-claim my daughter. It”s important for him to know that I”m there, that Reeva”s mother who gave birth to her and loved her, is there for her.”

The loss of his beloved daughter has taken a severe toll on the health of Reeva”s father Barry, who has been unable to attend court as a result and suffered a stroke this year.

Reflecting on Reeva”s three-month relationship with the sprinter known as the “Blade Runner”, he told ! that he wishes he could have intervened and persuaded his daughter to end it.

Oscar Pistorius

“If I”d known what I know now, I would have attempted to stop the relationship. Reeva wouldn”t have liked me for attempting to interfere, but as it turned out she would have thanked me in the end.”

Now, after 17 months of emotional suspense, Reeva”s loved-ones are looking forward to closure, making their visit to the beach where the ashes were scattered during a recess to gauge the athlete’s psychological state at the time he shot the 29 eyar old model.

“Since Reeva died our lives have been on hold,” said June. “We will only be able to continue when there”s a proper conclusion.”

To read more of the interview with June and Barry, pick up the latest issue of ! magazine.
SEE THE FULL EXCLUSIVE STORY IN ! MAGAZINE, OUT NOW.